Biglia primed for Bayern task

Lucas Biglia is looking forward to "a tie fit for the UEFA Champions League" as his RSC Anderlecht side host fellow former UEFA Cup winners FC Bayern München in the latter competition.

Live coverage
The two teams meet for the ninth time in Europe at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on Thursday, having played together most recently in the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League group stage. Bayern may be rated by many as favourites to win the tournament – but Biglia cannot wait to have a crack at the Bundesliga leaders, especially as the game will be on television in his native Argentina.

Biglia excited
"Obviously, I am more excited about this match than I normally am," said the 22-year-old, whose side beat FC Girondins de Bordeaux in the Round of 32. "This is a tie fit for the UEFA Champions League. It is fantastic to play against superstars like [Luca] Toni and [Franck] Ribéry. My friends and family will also be able to see me live, as the match is being broadcast on Argentinian television. I want to progress to the next stage so I will only be satisfied with victory. We are ready for it."

Striking worries
Coach Ariël Jacobs gave his squad Tuesday off, explaining that "these players have been at the club every day for weeks", although he would like to see a few more of them come Thursday. With Stanislav Vlček and Luigi Pieroni ineligible and Jonathan Legear (thigh) and Nicolas Frutos (calf) injured, Serhat Akın is the only striker available for Jacobs. Mbo Mpenza misses the first leg with a knee injury, saying: "It's a real shame. I had a feeling I might have started. Maybe in the return."

Rensing deputises
Olivier Deschacht, however, may start for Anderlecht after recovering from a similar complaint while Bayern will be without a defender of their own in Lucio, rested because of a groin injury, and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn. Michael Rensing will deputise for the latter, as he has in all of Bayern's other UEFA Cup away games this term. "Michael has replaced Kahn before, so we are not worried," said Mark van Bommel.

Tougher proposition
Having trounced Aberdeen FC 7-3 on aggregate in the last round, Hitzfeld expects Anderlecht to pose his charges more problems. "Anderlecht are definitely stronger than Aberdeen," he said. "This is a very physical team with lots of experience. They are well-organised in defence and quick on the counterattack. We will have to be organised and disciplined ourselves."